Steelers´ Rudolph on Roethlisberger: We´re going to be friends

Two-time Super Bowl champion and six-time Pro Bowler Roethlisberger was not pleased when the Steelers picked QB Rudolph in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Roethlisberger – who plans to play for three to five more years – said in an interview in late April that he was surprised Pittsburgh selected Rudolph on day two of the draft because he thought the team could "get some really good football players" that could "help [the Steelers] now". He had previously said he plans to play three to five more years.

Rudolph addressed Roethlisberger's comments when he met with reporters following Pittsburgh's rookie minicamp on Friday.

"I think the media got it kind of twisted around a little bit," Rudolph said.

"He's a Hall of Fame quarterback. He's a competitive guy. That's what I would expect. He's a long-time starter."

Rudolph said Roethlisberger wished him luck at minicamp earlier this week via text.

The 22-year-old also said he was going to try to learn as much as he can from the veteran quarterback.

"I'm sure when we get in this building, in this room, we're going to be friends," Rudolph said about Roethlisberger.

Roethlisberger threw for 4,251 yards and 28 touchdowns last season. Rudolph tallied 92 touchdowns over four seasons while playing for Oklahoma State.